Rebounding exerciser

ABSTRACT

The present invention is an exercise device, primarily for aerobic exercise. The invention is a hybrid between a toy called a pogo stick, a stair stepper, a trampoline and a ski simulator. The present invention combines the exercise a user receives from an exercise machine with the enjoyment a user receives from a toy. The user stands on pedals and grasps a handle, then either steps up and down against elastic resistance, or bounces up and down. The user may also swing from side to side or scissor his legs. Additionally, a pivot allows a combination of motions, such as scissoring while bouncing up and down. The amount of resistance may be controlled by adding or modifying elastic components.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to exercise equipment, particularly to exerciseequipment that provides aerobic and cardiovascular exercise.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many attempts have been made in the field of physical fitness to developexercise equipment that enables aerobic exercise in a manner that ischallenging and that builds endurance. Many users abandon exerciseequipment after a short period because they find the exercise tedious orbecause the equipment occupies too much space in their dwelling.Attempts to provide solutions to these problems are described below.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,243,218 teaches a hopping vehicle comprising anelongated frame having a lower end adapted to engage a ground supportingsurface and having handle bars secured to its upper end. A pair ofelongated foot levers are pivotally secured at one end to a horizontalcarriage assembly longitudinally slidably mounted to the frame near itslower end. A stirrup for supporting an operator's foot is secured to theopposite end of each foot lever. The first end of each foot lever isselectively connected to a gear segment which when connected, rotates inunison with the foot lever. Each gear segment in turn meshes with astationary gear rack secured to the frame. An elongated helical springis disposed between the upper end of the gear rack and a spring retainerlongitudinally slidably mounted on and near the top of the frame.Connecting bars connect the carriage assembly to the spring retainer sothat pivotal action of the foot levers from their upper and to theirlower position forces the retainer longitudinally downwardly and towardthe gear rack thus compressing the helical spring between the retainerand the gear rack. A release mechanism, which can be eitherautomatically controlled upon engagement of the hopping vehicle with theground or manually controlled by the operator, disengages the gearsegments from the foot levers which permits the spring to expand andprovide the propulsion power for the hopping vehicle

U.S. Pat. No. 5,222,927 teaches a physical exercise machine having astepper exercise assembly and a climber exercise assembly which includesa pair of handles individually slidable on parallel tubular railsagainst the tension of spring elements contained within the rails. Therails are retractable into a tubular support member for collapsing themachine from an extended to a compact configuration.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,230,674 teaches a combination exerciser and baggagecarrier having a rigid, main frame, force resistive pistons, forceengaging plates, handle portion, wheels, and a load supporting platethat is capable of selective engagement of either operational mode. Theexerciser may be embodied as any number of cardiovascular workoutdevices, including stair stepping simulator, rowing machine simulator,walking/running simulator, and weight lifting machine. The baggagecarrier is of the type used in areas catering to mass transportationtravels, such as airports, and bus and train depots, and may similarlyvary in embodiments, from standard two-wheeled carrier to a multiplewheeled, horizontal push cart. The exerciser/baggage carrier is designedto tote one's baggage conveniently, then when such service is no longerrequired it is capable of space saving compaction, until when anopportunity arises, such as in a hotel room, office, park, etc., thepresent invention may be converted to an exerciser suitable forfacilitating a substantial cardiovascular workout.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,299,992 teaches a combination stationary bicycle andstep/stair climber exercise device containing a support surface, atleast one exercise biking mechanism mounted to the support surface, atleast one stepping mechanism mounted to the support surface, at leastone pair of pedals connected to the biking mechanism, at least one pairof steps connected to the stepping mechanism, at least one seatconnected to the top of the support surface over the biking mechanism,and at least one pair of handle bars mounted to the support surface foruse with at least one of the biking mechanisms and the steppingmechanisms.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,496,237 teaches an exercise apparatus which also servesas an effective training device for mountain bikers. The inventionutilizes a frame resembling that of a bicycle's frame. The framesupports handle bars having a gripping portion and two foot pedals. Eachpedal is fixable to the frame and adjustable in height. Each foot pedalfurther has an abrasive upper surface for contact with the sole of auser's shoe. This abrasive upper surface acts to prevent slippage of theuser's foot from the pedal. The frame is supported by two legs, onesupporting the front part of the frame, the second supporting the rearpart of the frame. Each leg is rotatably attached to the frame andoriented in a diagonal direction. The range of motion of each leg islimited by a compression spring which further acts to rotate the legs totheir extended state after an external force causes them to retract.When in use, downward force exerted by the user on the invention's footpedals and handle bars causes a corresponding force on each compressionspring and retraction of each leg. The compression spring then reacts byexerting a corresponding downward force and extends the leg, therebythrusting the frame and, therefore, the user upward. Through thisaction, the user is able to repeatedly hop from location to location ata variety of angles in addition to hopping on one leg at a time. Theinvention not only serves as an effective exercise device, but providesa means for a realistic simulation of the activity of mountain biking.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,584,782 teaches a low-impact aerobic exercise devicethat includes a base which supports a generally vertically extendingframe member and an angularly extending brace member. Two spaced leversare pivotally mounted to the vertical frame member and have pedalsmounted on their outer ends for independent reciprocal pivotal movementwhen used as a stair-stepping type of exercise device. Two resilientelastomeric members are adjustably attached between the brace member andthe two levers to provide vertical downward resistance when the userpivotally oscillates the levers in an up-and-down motion. A handle isattached to the vertical member for grasping by the user. An insert canbe removably mounted between the lever pedals to provide a singlecontinuous platform joining the two levers, enabling the lever to beused as a rebounding type of exercise device. The frame member ispivotally attached to the vertical frame member, enabling the device tobe moved to a compact collapsed position for storage.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,679,102 teaches an apparatus that includes a piece ofexercise equipment, one or more weighing cells, and a data interpreterfor determining a weight of a person exercising on the exerciseequipment. The determined weight is then displayed. The weighing cellsmay, for example, be mounted to the saddle post or to one or more legsof the exercise equipment.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,792,026 teaches an exercise apparatus that includes aforce receiving member movable relative to a frame. A first link isrotatably interconnected between a first crank and a rearward portion ofthe force receiving member, and a second link is rotatablyinterconnected between a second crank and an intermediate portion of theforce receiving member. The cranks and the links cooperate to move theforce receiving member in a desired path.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,030,320 teaches an exercise apparatus that has a linkageassembly which links rotation of a crank to generally ellipticalmovement of a force receiving member. The apparatus may be folded into astorage configuration having an overall height which is less than thegreater of the diameter of the crank and the diameter of a flywheelwhich rotates together with the crank.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,036,622 teaches an exercise device for use by a user,said exercise device comprising a frame, first and second linkagespivotally carried by a frame, each of the linkages including an upperlink and a lower link; each of the upper links being pivotally connectedto the frame, each of the lower links being pivotally connected to theupper link; first and second foot supports, the first foot supportcarried by the lower link of the first linkage and the second footsupport carried by the lower link of the second linkage; and means forcoupling the movement of the first foot support and the second footsupport whereby the user of the exercise device may perform a walking,striding, or stepping exercise without reconfiguring the exercisedevice.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,053,847 teaches an exercise apparatus that has a linkageassembly which links rotation of a crank to generally ellipticalmovement of a foot supporting member. The crank rotates about a crankaxis relative to a frame, and a distal portion of a link moves relativeto a connection point on the frame. An intermediate portion of the linkis rotatably connected to the crank, and an opposite distal portion ofthe link is rotatably connected to a rearward end of the foot supportingmember. An opposite, forward end of the foot supporting member ismovably connected to the frame.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,152,859 and US Patent Application 20050079958 teach anexercise apparatus that has arm driven members and leg driven memberswhich are movably mounted on a frame. In a first mode of operation, thearm driven members are movable relative to the frame and the leg drivenmembers. In a second mode of operation, the arm driven members arelinked to the leg driven members and movable together therewith relativeto the frame. In a third mode of operation, the arm driven members arelocked against movement relative to the frame in a manner which does notinterfere with movement of the leg driven members. In a preferredembodiment, the leg driven members are movable in two generallyorthogonal directions relative to the frame. The leg driven members mayalso be interconnected to move in reciprocal fashion in either and/orboth of those directions, and/or supported in a manner that providesprogressive resistance to downward movement as a function of downwardtravel.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,217,485 and 6,565,486 teach an exercise apparatus thathas a linkage assembly which links rotation of a crank to generallyelliptical movement of a foot supporting member. The linkage assemblyincludes a first link having a first end rotatably connected to a firstrocker link, an intermediate portion rotatably connected to the crank,and a second end rotatably connected to a rearward end of the footsupporting member. An opposite, forward end of the foot supportingmember is rotatably connected to a second rocker link. An upper distalportion of the second rocker link is sized and configured for graspingby a person standing on the foot supporting member.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,855,094 teaches an exercise apparatus that includes leftand right rigid connector links having first portions rotatablyconnected to respective cranks, second portions constrained to move inreciprocating fashion, and third portions connected to respective footsupports. Intermediate links are also interconnected between respectivecranks and respective foot supports. The resulting assembly linksrotation of the cranks to movement of the foot supports throughgenerally elliptical stepping paths. The connection points may be movedrelative to one another and/or a supporting frame to adjust the size,shape, and/or orientation of the paths.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,033,305 teaches an exercise apparatus that has a linkageassembly which links rotation of a crank to generally ellipticalmovement of a foot supporting member. The linkage assembly includes afirst link having a first end rotatably connected to a first rockerlink, an intermediate portion rotatably connected to the crank, and asecond end rotatably connected to a rearward end of the foot supportingmember. An opposite, forward end of the foot supporting member isrotatably connected to a second rocker link. An upper distal portion ofthe second rocker link is sized and configured for grasping by a personstanding on the foot supporting member. The foot path defined by thefoot supporting member may be adjusted by selectively moving the crankaxis relative to the handlebar axis.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,094,183 teaches a multi-purpose surfing balancerincluding a base plate, a resilient rubber body, a step-on board, and acentral pole. A bottom surface of the rubber body being fixed to amiddle of a top of the base plate. The top of the base plate being fixedto a middle of a bottom of the step-on board. The central pole beingfixed to the surface of the step-on board for a user to stand on thestep-on board with both feet splitting over both ends of the resilientrubber body in position to practice balancing or surfing by the supportof the resilient rubber body and swing motion controlled by the user.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,137,927 and 7,344,480 teach various linkagearrangements which link rotation of left and right cranks to movement ofleft and right foot supports through generally elliptical paths. Thelinkage arrangements may also link rotation of the cranks to reciprocalmovement of left and right handles. Also, connection points defined bythe linkage arrangements may be moved relative to one another and/or asupporting frame to adjust the size, shape, and/or orientation of theelliptical paths.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,226,390 teaches an exercise apparatus that has armdriven members and leg driven members which are movably mounted on aframe. In a first mode of operation, the arm driven members are movablerelative to the frame and the leg driven members. In a second mode ofoperation, the arm driven members are linked to the leg driven membersand movable together therewith relative to the frame. In a third mode ofoperation, the arm driven members are locked against movement relativeto the frame in a manner which does not interfere with movement of theleg driven members. In a preferred embodiment, the leg driven membersare movable in two generally orthogonal directions relative to theframe. The leg driven members may also be interconnected to move inreciprocal fashion in either and/or both of those directions, and/orsupported in a manner that provides progressive resistance to downwardmovement as a function of downward travel.

US Patent Application 20050233867 teaches a fitness equipment having abase, a swing rod pivotally installed on the base, a guide wheel axiallydisposed on an appropriate position of the swing rod, and a drivingdevice and an adjusting device disposed on the base at an end proximateto the swing rod to constitute a fitness equipment assembly, such thatwhen an exerciser steps both feet on the driving device, the exercisercan exercise both legs, or the swing rod swings or vibrates by using thebase as a pivot to produce a vibratory effect to the hands and upperbody of the exerciser and thus giving a massaging effect.

US Patent Application 20050266964 teaches a curved exerciser positioningdevice includes a base member having a sleeve extending from center ofthe base toward a rear end of the exerciser and a buffer upwardlyextending from the sleeve; two swing arms being respectively pivoted totwo opposite ends of the base member; a platform and a roller beingrespectively secured on the top of and the bottom of the rear end ofeach swing arm; a guiding device including a shaft extending into asleeve; and two rails respectively fixed to both sides of the rear endof the shaft such that both rollers slide thereon.

US Patent Application 20060229166 teaches a swing stepper that includesan inclined stepper for the user to step on two distal locations so tostep on to and twist waist to reciprocally move around; and a handle bardisposed axially on a base that reciprocally turns around synchronouslywith the stepper so that two distal ends of the stepper to alternativelyswing up and down in the course of the reciprocal swing when the usertrades and twists to reciprocally turn around both of the stepper andthe handlebar for staying fit.

US Patent Application 20070093361 teaches an invention that combines thehandle bar and swaying damping device by using a swaying structure forthe handle bar of fitness equipment. The handle bar can swayindependently, and the swaying modes can be properly adjusted to achievedynamic balance for the users. The present invention offers a swayingdamping device for the handle bar of fitness equipment, which is linkedto a preset location, such that the handle bar can sway independently ofthe users. The swaying damping device can provide preset resistance tothe handle bar, thus achieving resistance and springing force for theswaying structure of handle bar, and also improving flexibility,independency and convenience.

The present invention is unique. It combines the aerobic workoutcomponent of a stair stepping device and the cardiovascular workout ofsimulated skiing motion with the fun, bouncing action component of atrampoline or toy such as a pogo stick. The pivot joint allows a largerange of motion, thereby increasing the exercise options over thoseavailable using equipment present in the prior art. The user may step onthe device as with a typical stair stepper, or he may bounce up and downon the device. The present invention also has a pivot joint that allowsthe user to exercise in a side to side motion or in a leg-scissoringmotion, either independently or simultaneously combined with thebouncing action/component. The present invention can be used for aversatile range of exercises and may exercise many muscle groups at oncein an aerobic, cardiovascular, and strength-building manner. The userexercises closer to the ground than on a typical stair stepping machineso the risk of injury is lessened, and unlike a pogo stick, the presentinvention has frame components that are added for stability. It also issafer in that the user is not displaced as with a pogo stick. Thepresent invention is also foldable for storage. In addition, differentembodiments of the present invention allow varying degrees of difficultyof work outs, and varying methods of employing the device, depending onthe user's preference.

Unlike other exercise equipment, the present invention has eight pointsat which elastic components can be installed; one or more points may beused at once. One advantage of this device over other devices in thefield is that the user may choose to exercise only one leg at a time,(for instance, if the user has injured one leg) because, unlike a stairstepper or pogo stick, the two pedals of the device may be employedindependently of one another. Alternately, both pedals may be employedbut with different levels of resistance if desired by the user. Thenumber and type of elastic components decide the degree of difficultywhen using the device, and they may be the same for the eight points ofinstallation, or they may be different.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an exercise device comprising a support base,at least one support frame member disposed on the support base, thesupport base having a standing rod in generally perpendicularorientation to the support base. The device also includes at least onepedal link, each having proximate and distal ends, each distal endhaving a pedal, and each proximate end being disposed on a supportjoint, the support joint being disposed on the support base, the distalends having an upper and lower position, and means for independentlyapplying a force to each pedal link to move the pedal link from thelower position to the upper position. The joint will also preferablyallow movement from side to side.

The present invention resembles a device that is a hybrid of a stairstepper, ski simulator, trampoline and pogo stick, with stability framesfor added safety. A user grasps the handle and stands with each foot ona pedal and bounces up and down, steps, swings side to side, scissorshis legs, or sweeps his legs in a bouncing arc. The user may combinethese actions into one action such as bouncing and swinging at the sametime, as in skiing. The device is fun to use and therefore providesaerobic and cardiovascular exercise that is enjoyable. The presentinvention may also be foldable for easy storage.

It is an object of the invention to provide a machine for aerobic andcardiovascular exercise.

It is an object of the invention to provide a machine that is enjoyableto use.

It is an object of the invention to provide a machine that is foldablefor easy storage.

It is an object of the invention to provide a machine that can be usedwith varying resistance to provide different levels of difficulty.

It is an object of the invention to provide a machine that allowsstepping exercises.

It is an object of the invention to provide a machine that allowsbouncing exercises.

It is an object of the invention to provide a machine that allows sideto side exercises.

It is an object of the invention to provide a machine that allows legscissoring exercises.

It is an object of the invention to provide a wide range of exercisesfor differing muscle groups.

It is an object of the invention to provide an adjustable handle forusers of varying heights.

It is an object of the invention to provide an adjustable handle withends that can be angled up to provide different grip points which forcethe user to place his body in a certain position, thereby forcing theuse of certain muscle groups.

It is an object of the invention to provide shoe wrappers for safety.

It is an object of the invention to provide a machine with a stable andstationary frame for safety.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 3 perspective view of a third preferred embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the invention being folded.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the invention being folded.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the invention with a base pad.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a fourth preferred embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 8 is bottom perspective view of a fourth preferred embodiment ofthe invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention.It shows the rebounding exerciser 100, which has a frame 115 that iscomprised of a support base 110, which has disposed on it a firstsupport foot 120, first support frame member 130, second support framemember 140, and a second support foot 150. The rebounding exerciser 100also has a first support joint 170, a second support joint 175, and astanding rod 200 with a standing rod handle 210 is attached to thesupport base 110.

The embodiment of FIG. 1 shows the invention with a spring device 180,which includes a first pedal 300, with a first pedal link 310, firstpedal link rear portion 320, first pedal link proximate end 330, firstpedal link distal end 340, first elastic component 370 and a secondpedal 400, with a second pedal link 410, second pedal link rear portion420, second pedal link proximate end 430, second pedal link distal end440, second elastic component 470, and pivot 190.

The components of the frame 115 are disposed on the support base 110.The first pedal link proximate end 330 is disposed on the first supportjoint 170. The second pedal link proximate end 430 is disposed on thesecond support joint 175. The standing rod 200 is disposed on thesupport base 110.

The first pedal link rear portion 320 and second pedal link rear portion420 act to elevate first pedal link 310 and second pedal link 410relative to the ground.

A user stands on the first pedal 300 and second pedal 400, and graspsthe standing rod handle 210. The user applies force to move the pedals300 and 400 on their respective pedal links 310 and 410 toward theground. The elastic components 370 and 470 provide resistance to thedownward motion and/or allow the pedal links 310 and 410 which containpedals 300 and 400, respectively, to rebound after they have beencompressed by the user, so the user springs back up to his startingposition. The user can alternate moving his legs so that a stepping typeof motion is achieved. A second use of the invention involves the userbouncing on the pedals such that they move up and down simultaneously,mimicking the body motion attained by using a pogo stick.

Another use of the invention is to move side to side, or to move andbounce simultaneously. The user stands on the pedals 300 and 400 andgrasps the standing rod handle 210. The user then moves his hips and/orlegs and and/or lower body side to side. The pivot 190 is connected tothe first elastic component 370 and the second elastic component 470.The first elastic component 370 and second elastic component 470 areconnected to the first pedal link 310 and second pedal link 410respectively. The pivot 190 allows the elastic components to move withthe pedal links. The pedal links are connected to the support joints 170and 175 in a manner that allows them to move in a pivoting motion aswell, either side to side, up/down, or in a combination of motions.

The support feet 120 and 150 and the support frame members 130 and 140help stabilize the rebounding exerciser 100.

The first elastic component 370 and second elastic component 470 may beany object which can be compressed and released, such as but not limitedto, springs, air-pumps, gas pumps, electric pumps, flexible bands,bellows, pistons or rubber balls. The elastic components and all othercomponents of the rebounding exerciser 100 in any embodiment of theinvention may be made from any material, including but not limited to,metals, plastics, rubbers, foams, elastomers, thermoplastics, glassproducts such as but not limited to fiberglass, wood products, fabrics,such as but not limited to elastic, or any combination of thesematerials or other materials.

The first elastic component 370 and second elastic component 470 may bedisposed above first support foot 120 and second support foot 150, orthere may be only one elastic component disposed either above onesupport foot or above both support feet. The elastic component is alsodisposed below first pedal link 310 and second pedal link 410.

The first pedal 300 and second pedal 400 may be any shape, including butnot limited to, oval, rectangular, square, oblong, circular, and theymay be placed anywhere on the pedal links. The pedals may be affixed tothe pedal links by any means, including but not limited to, nailing,screwing, fusing, or soldering, or the pedals may be removably attachedto the pedal links to allow the user to choose differing pedal types,shapes, and sizes. The pedals may be made from any material as discussedabove.

Although illustrated with two pedals 300 and 400 and two pedal links 310and 410, the rebounding exerciser 100 may be constructed with one pedallink and one pedal. In this embodiment, the single pedal has room forboth feet and the user's legs are exercised accordingly. In anotherembodiment, the pedal link and pedal could simply be a flat board.

The first support frame member 130 and second support frame member 140may be tethered to the ground by any means desired, such as but notlimited to, applying suction devices to the underside of the supportframe members, applying weighted materials to the support frame members,or any other method desired by the user. They may be any shape orconfiguration, including but not limited to, a Y type of configurationas shown in the drawings, and X type of configuration, a triangularconfiguration, a rectangular configuration, or any combination ofsupport components. Either in addition or alternately, the support base110 may be attached to a wall or other object to increase stability ofthe rebounding exerciser 100. In another embodiment of the reboundexerciser 100, the support base 110 may consist of four feet attachedperpendicularly to a central shaft that is attached to the standing rod200. The four feet may be any shape or size, and may be weighted. Theymay be permanently affixed or removable for storage.

In a preferred embodiment the support base 110 is rectangular, but itmay be any shape, including but not limited to, rectangular, square,circular, polygon, octahedron, triangular, diamond shape, or it maymimic the shape of any object.

FIG. 2 shows an alternate embodiment of rebounding exerciser 100, inwhich there is a single support joint 177 and two elastic components 370and 470 that touch the ground. FIG. 2 shows support base 110, frame 115,first support foot 120, first support frame member 130, second supportfoot 150, single support joint 177, and spring device 180. A standingrod 200 with a standing rod handle 210 and standing rod handle heightadjustment 220 is attached to the support base 110.

The rebounding exerciser 100 in FIG. 2 is illustrated with a first pedal300, with first pedal link 310, first pedal link proximate end 330,first pedal link distal end 340, and first elastic component 370, andsecond pedal 400, with second pedal link 410, second pedal linkproximate end 430, second pedal link distal end 440, and second elasticcomponent 470. The pedal links 310 and 410 are connected to the singlesupport joint 177 in a manner that allows them to pivot around thejoint, thus allowing up and down, side to side or leg scissoringmotions.

In FIG. 2 the first elastic component 370 and second elastic component470 are shown as springs which contact the ground, but these componentsmay also be rubber. The elastic components may contact the ground, orthere may be an added support, such as but not limited to a tray orblock that they may contact. The added support may be employed forinstance, if the ground surface is not hard or if the user doesn't wantmarks from the elastic device on a carpet.

The standing rod 200 has a standing rod handle height adjustment 220 sothat the user may adjust the standing rod handle 210 to a comfortableheight. The standing rod handle height adjustment 220 may be of the typeshown in FIG. 2, where an inner tube slides into a wider outer tube asshown, and there is a method for locking the tubes together in a certainposition. Other mechanisms for creating an adjustable height standingrod 200 may be envisioned. The locking device may be any type of device,such as but not limited to, a male-female connector, a locking o-ring, atwisting lock, pressure or friction clamp, quick adjust lock, or anycombination of these or other types of connectors.

The standing rod 200 may contain an adjustable standing rod handle 210that has ends that can be angled up to provide different grip pointswhich force the user to place his body in a certain position, therebyforcing the use of certain muscle groups. The standing rod 200 may beany shape, including straight or curved, and there may be one standingrod 200 or two or more standing rods. In addition, the standing rod 200may be integral with the rebounding exerciser 100 or may be removable.The standing rod handle 210 may be integral with the reboundingexerciser 100 or removable, and it may be of any shape, and may beattached anywhere on the standing rod 200. It may also be modular tocreate differing forms of the standing rod handle. For instance, it mayextend horizontally from the standing rod as shown in the figures, or itmay curve upward like the handlebars of a racing bicycle. The upwardcurved parts may be integral to the standing rod handle or may beextensions that are attached. The standing rod handle 210 may attach atthe top of the standing rod 200 or somewhere in the middle, or anywherealong the standing rod 200. There may be one or more standing rodhandles, and they may be interchangeable with a variety of differentshaped standing rod handles.

FIG. 3 illustrates an additional embodiment of the rebounding exerciser100. Illustrated in FIG. 3 is rebounding exerciser 100 with support base110, frame 115, first support frame member 130, second support framemember 140, and first support joint 170.

A standing rod 200 with a standing rod handle 210 is attached to thesupport base 110. Also illustrated in FIG. 3 is first short standing rod230 and second short standing rod 240, which are connected to the pedallinks 310 and 410, and which function to support the first elasticcomponent 370 and the second elastic component 470, respectively.

The embodiment in FIG. 3 also has a first pedal 300, with first pedallink 310, first pedal link proximate end 330, first pedal link distalend 340, first pedal elastic component 350, first pedal shoe wrapper360, and first elastic component 370, as well as second pedal 400, withsecond pedal link 410, second pedal link proximate end 430, second pedallink distal end 440, second pedal elastic component 450, second pedalshoe wrapper 460, and second elastic component 470. Also shown in FIG. 3is third elastic component 500 and fourth elastic component 510.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which there are sixpoints of elasticity; the first elastic component 370 and second elasticcomponent 470, the third elastic component 500 and fourth elasticcomponent 510, and the first pedal elastic component 350 and the secondpedal elastic component 450. The first elastic component 370 and secondelastic component 470 are illustrated as springs disposed on the firstshort standing rod 230 and second short standing rod 240 respectively.The third elastic component 500 and the fourth elastic component 510 areillustrated as air pumps disposed on the first pedal link 310 and secondpedal link 410 respectively and on the support base 110. The first pedalelastic component 350 and second pedal elastic component 450 areillustrated as elastic balls disposed on the first pedal link distal end340 and the second pedal link distal end 440.

Although illustrated as plastic balls, the first pedal elastic component350 and second pedal elastic component 450 may be any elastic componentas discussed for the elastic components of FIG. 1, may be any shape, andmay be hollow or solid. Additionally, although illustrated on the distalends of the pedal links, the first pedal elastic component 350 andsecond pedal elastic component 450 may be disposed anywhere on the pedallinks.

FIG. 3 also shows an additional safety feature of the invention, firstpedal shoe wrapper 360 and second pedal shoe wrapper 460. Althoughillustrated in a particular configuration, the pedal shoe wrappers maybe any device or configuration that aids in holding a user's feet ontothe pedals. The pedal shoe wrappers and their components may be madefrom any material, including but not limited to, fabrics, metals, woodproducts, glass products, plastics, rubbers, thermoplastics, elastomers,or any combination of these materials or other materials. In addition,the pedal shoe wrappers may be permanently affixed to the pedals or maybe removable, and may be fastened to the pedals using any method,including but not limited to, fusing, gluing, snapping, buckling, usinghook and loop fasteners, tying, welding, riveting, or any other desiredmethod.

FIG. 4 illustrates how the standing rod 200 and the standing rod handle210 of the rebounding exerciser 100 may be folded to result in a morecompact form because the standing rod 200 is collapsible. In thisembodiment, the standing rod handle 210 is in a ‘Y’ configuration. Therebounding exerciser 100 is shown with support base 110, frame 115,first support frame member 130, second support frame member 140, singlesupport joint 177, standing rod 200, standing rod handle 210, firstpedal 300, first pedal link 310, first pedal link proximate end 330,first pedal link distal end 340, second pedal 400.

The standing rod 200 is folded at the single support joint 177 and thestanding rod handle 210 is folded against the frame 115. Alternately,the standing rod handle 210 may have two or more arms which can fold upor down on a hinge on the end of frame 115, or the arms of the standingrod handle may be removable, and also may or may not be interconnectableto the frame so they don't get misplaced. For illustrative reasons,components of the invention have been left off of this drawing; it isassumed that the embodiment is in FIG. 4 is similar to the embodimentshown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 illustrates how the first support frame member 130 and the secondsupport frame member 140 may be folded to yield a more compact form.FIG. 5 shows the rebounding exerciser 100, support base 110, frame 115,first support frame member 130, second support frame member 140, andfirst support joint 170. A standing rod 200 with a standing rod handle210 is attached to the support base 110.

FIG. 5 also shows the first pedal 300, with first pedal link 310, firstpedal link proximate end 330, first pedal link distal end 340, firstpedal elastic component 350, and first elastic component 370, and secondpedal 400, with second pedal link 410, second pedal link proximate end430, second pedal link distal end 440, second pedal elastic component450, and second elastic component 470. The third elastic component 500is also visible in FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 illustrates the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 with first framemember 130 and second frame member 140 folded under the first pedal link310 and second pedal link 410, respectively. The folding mechanism maybe comprised of, but is not limited to, a hinge or pivot that allows forthe rotation of the frame members.

FIG. 6 illustrates the rebounding exerciser 100 with a support framebase pad 160 disposed between the first support foot 120 and the secondsupport foot 150. The purpose of the support frame base pad 160 is toadd stability to the invention.

FIG. 6 also shows the support base 110, frame 115, first support joint170 and second support joint 175. A standing rod 200 with a standing rodhandle 210 is attached to the support base 110. FIG. 6 also shows thefirst short standing rod 230, second short standing rod 240, firstelastic component 370, and second elastic component 470.

Not shown in FIG. 6 but implied from FIG. 5 is that other components ofthe rebounding exerciser 100 would be disposed over the support framebase pad 160. These components would be the first pedal 300, with firstpedal link 310, first pedal link proximate end 330, first pedal linkdistal end 340, and first pedal elastic component 350, and second pedal400, with second pedal link 410, second pedal link proximate end 430,second pedal link distal end 440, and second pedal elastic component450.

The support frame base pad 160 may be made from any of the materialsdiscussed under FIG. 1, and it may be one continuous piece or containmodular sections. In addition, it may traverse any portion of length ofthe support frame members. The support frame base pad may rest againstthe ground surface, or it may be tethered to the surface. It may be anyweight, and it may have weight attachments to adjust the weight toincrease stability of the rebounding exerciser. Although shown as a pad,the support frame base pad 160 may be, but is not limited to, a singlebar or series of bars that extends between the support frame members, orany other shape or configuration that lends stability to the reboundingexerciser 100.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the invention.The rebounding exerciser 100 has a frame 115 that is comprised of asupport base 110, which has disposed on it a first support frame member130 and second support frame member 140 with support frame base 160disposed between the support frame members. The rebounding exerciser 100also has a first support joint 170, a second support joint 175, and astanding rod 200 with a standing rod handle 210 is attached to thesupport base 110. The standing rod 200 has a standing rod handle 210, astanding rod handle adjustment 220, and an adjustment knob 225.

The embodiment of FIG. 7 shows the invention with a spring device 180,which includes a single pedal link 600. A single pedal 250 rests on thesingle pedal link 600, which has a single pedal link proximate end 630and a single pedal link distal end 640. The single pedal 250 also restson wheels 560 that allow the pedal to roll across the support frame basepad 160. Alternatively, the wheels 560 may be elastic components or acombination of wheel and elastic component. The single pedal link distalend 640 supports the single pedal 250, and bounces against or rollsalong the support frame base pad 160, or moves along it with acombination of motions. The single pedal link proximate end 630 isconnected to the single elastic component 375 by the first support joint170. The connection allows the single pedal link 600 to move in apivoting action around the single elastic component 375.

FIG. 7 also shows a single elastic component 375 disposed on the supportbase 110 and connected to the frame 115 by the elastic component joiner540. Also shown are first elastic band 520 and second elastic band 530,and first elastic band joiner 550. First elastic band joiner 550 joinsthe first elastic band 520 to the single pedal link 600.

The single elastic component 375 is shown as one spring, but it may beany elastic device and it may be one continuous piece or separate piecesthat are linked, such as two springs that join at the first supportjoint 170.

The elastic bands 520 and 530 may be bands or any other elastic devicethat attaches to a support joint, another elastic component, or theframe, and to the single pedal link 600.

FIG. 8 shows a bottom perspective view of this embodiment. Therebounding exerciser 100 has a frame 115 that is comprised of a supportbase 110, which has disposed on it a first support frame member 130 andsecond support frame member 140 with support frame base 160 disposedbetween the support frame members. The rebounding exerciser 100 also hasa first support joint 170, a second support joint 175, and a standingrod 200 with a standing rod handle 210 is attached to the support base110. The standing rod 200 has a standing rod handle 210, a standing rodhandle adjustment 220, and an adjustment knob 225.

The embodiment of FIG. 8 shows the invention with a spring device 180,which includes a single pedal link 600. A single pedal 250 rests on thesingle pedal link 600, which has a single pedal link proximate end 630and a single pedal link distal end 640. The single pedal 250 also restson wheels 560 that allow the pedal to roll across the support frame basepad 160. Alternatively, the wheels 560 may be elastic components or acombination of wheel and elastic component. The single pedal link distalend 640 supports the single pedal 250, and bounces against or rollsalong the support frame base pad 160, or moves along it with acombination of motions. The single pedal link proximate end 630 isconnected to the single elastic component 375 by the first support joint170. The connection allows the single pedal link 600 to move in apivoting action around the single elastic component 375.

FIG. 8 also shows a single elastic component 375 disposed on the supportbase 110 and connected to the frame 115 by the elastic component joiner540. Also shown are first elastic band 520 and second elastic band 530,and first elastic band joiner 550. First elastic band joiner 550 joinsthe first elastic band 520 to the single pedal link 600.

Although the elastic components are illustrated in the figures inspecific locations on the rebounding exerciser 100, they may be disposedanywhere on the invention.

1. An exercise device, comprising: a support base, at least one supportframe member disposed on the support base; the support base having astanding rod; at least one pedal link, having proximate and distal ends,the distal end having a pedal, and the proximate end being disposed on asupport joint, the support joint being disposed on the support base, thedistal end having an upper and lower position; and means forindependently applying a force to the pedal link to move the pedal linkfrom the lower position to the upper position or in a side to sidemotion or in a combination of side to side and lower and upperpositions.
 2. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the support basehas at least one support foot disposed thereon.
 3. The exercise deviceof claim 1, wherein the support base has two support frame members. 4.The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the standing rod has a handledisposed thereon.
 5. The exercise device of claim 2, wherein the meansfor applying force is at least one pump or spring disposed on the atleast one support foot and on the at least two pedal links.
 6. Theexercise device of claim 1, wherein the means for applying force is aground spring.
 7. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the supportbase has at least two short standing rods and the means for applyingforce is at least one spring disposed on each short standing rod,wherein each pedal link is connected to the spring.
 8. The exercisedevice of claim 1, wherein the means for applying force is an elasticball.
 9. The exercise device of claim 4, wherein the standing rod has aheight and the height is adjustable.
 10. The exercise device of claim 1,wherein each pedal has a shoe wrapper disposed thereon.
 11. The exercisedevice of claim 1, wherein the standing rod is collapsible.
 12. Theexercise device of claim 1, wherein the pedal link has a rear portionproximately disposed on the distal end, and the rear portion elevatesthe pedal link relative to the ground.
 13. The exercise device of claim1, wherein the support frame has a base pad.
 14. An exercise device,comprising: a rectangular support base, at least two support framesdisposed on the support base; the support base having an adjustablestanding rod with a handle, the support base having at least one supportfoot; at least one pedal link, having proximate and distal ends, thedistal end having a pedal, and the proximate end being disposed on asupport joint, the support joint being disposed on the support base, thedistal end having an upper and lower position; and an elastic componentfor independently applying a force to the pedal link to move the pedallink from the lower position to the upper position or in a side to sidemotion or in a combination of side to side and lower and upperpositions.
 15. The exercise device of claim 14, wherein the means forapplying force is at least one pump or spring disposed on the at leastone support foot and on the at least one pedal link.
 16. The exercisedevice of claim 14, wherein the means for applying force is a groundspring.
 17. The exercise device of claim 14, wherein the support basehas at least two short standing rods and the means for applying force isat least one spring disposed on each short standing rod, wherein eachpedal link is connected to the spring.
 18. The exercise device of claim14, wherein the means for applying force is an elastic ball.
 19. Theexercise device of claim 14, wherein each pedal has a shoe wrapperdisposed thereon.
 20. The exercise device of claim 14, wherein the pedallink has a rear portion proximately disposed on the distal end, and therear portion elevates the pedal link relative to the ground.